Page 107 of Dragon Charmed

“That’s right. You didn’t see it. I left the book on the foyer table.”

“I’m going to grab it.”

Before Tessa could get up, Sienna shot to her feet. “Let me get it. I need something to do.” Sienna headed down the hall before Tessa could respond.

Eric frowned as he bounced Bella on his knee. “She hates not being able to help.”

“I know the feeling,” Tessa said.

Sienna came back quickly and handed the sketch pad to Tessa. “Here’s the picture.”

Megan studied it with Tessa. “We thought it looked like she was being abducted and maybe she ran away because she was scared or possibly to protect Ben from being hurt by them.”

Bella reached for the book, and Sienna scooped up the baby from Eric and started walking with her.

Eric also looked at the drawing, and he cursed under his breath.

“What is it?” Megan asked.

“I think that picture is what happened in the cave. Ben handed Lily to me and then collapsed on the ground, holding his head.”

“Do you think she went there because of the drawing?” Megan asked.

“Why?” Eric said.

“Maybe she heard Ben talking last night about needing his memories back. Do you think she knew going to the cave would trigger them?” Tessa asked.

Before anyone could respond, the door opened and Ian stepped into the hall. They shot to their feet and crowded around him.

“How is he?” Sienna asked first.

“I checked him over, and I didn’t find anything physically wrong with him. He finally woke up and tried to explain what happened. He remembered the attack in the cave and then his memories came back all at once. It flooded his brain and, for lack of a better word, short-circuited it.”

“But he’s going to be okay?” Tessa said.

“Yes, as far as I can tell right now. He has a hell of a headache. I’ve given him some pain reliever, but he doesn’t want anything stronger since he’s still trying to sort through his memories.”

“Does he remember the last year?” Megan asked before Tessa could.

“Yes and no. When I mentioned that Eric was here, he was surprised. Marcus reminded him that he had come back while Adam was missing, and that seemed to jog his memory. I think it’s a matter of his brain trying to sort through things right now.”

“Is there anything we can do for him?” Tessa asked.

“He wants to see Eric and Sienna.” Ian held up his hand. “But you can’t stress him out. He’s in shock and really needs to sleep, but he wants to talk to you first. I want you in and out in ten minutes max. He can talk more in the morning once he’s gotten some rest.”

Sienna and Eric followed Ian into the room, and then he shut the door. Tessa stood there staring at the solid wood door.

Bella’s babbling pulled Tessa away from her stare down with the stained wood. She turned to her best friend and her daughter. Bella held out her hands to her, and Megan handed her to Tessa. “Come on. Let’s go get something to eat.”

They headed downstairs and found that Marilyn had made soup and homemade bread for dipping. Tessa rocked Bella back and forth while Megan scooped soup into bowls and put them on the table. She then retrieved a kid’s plate out of the fridge and heated it in the microwave.

Tessa put Bella in her high chair, and Megan sat next to her to feed her. Bella opened up like a baby bird.

“You’re such a good eater!” Megan said as Bella pushed part of the food from her mouth with her tongue. Megan scooped it up and fed her the rest.

“Of course she’s a good eater. Marilyn makes her fresh baby food.”

Megan smiled. “You and Bella are Marilyn’s favorites. Although I think Lily is up there now too. The last two days have been terrifying. I’m so happy that you, Lily, and Ben are okay.”